A Scarborough RNLI all weather lifeboat is currently undergoing a full overhaul which is mainly being funded by bingo players in Great Britain. The maintenance includes being transferred to a boatyard where everything is removed allowing the hull and internal and external construction to be inspected and repaired.

A spokesman commented: “As we operate a 24/7 rescue service, while our boat is away we are provided with a boat from the relief fleet. These relief lifeboats have often been funded by many people up and down the country, Bingo Lifeline is one such boat being mainly funded by the bingo players of Great Britain

“Bingo Lifeline entered service with the RNLI on July 29 1992 and to date has been a relief lifeboat at 33 different lifeboat stations. Since entering service, she has responded to 172 callouts rescuing 225 people, so playing bingo is a lifesaver!

“Although it is winter Scarborough Lifeboat Station is usually open on weekdays and anyone wishing to view this boat would be welcome. When our Lifeboat has been re-assembled and passed her sea trials she will return to Scarborough and Bingo Lifeline will move on to her next station.”

Since 1801 the Scarborough Lifeboat Station has been in operation which makes it the third oldest station in the country. Volunteers provide 24-hour search and rescue service in the UK and Republic of Ireland coasts. The service, which depends on voluntary donations and legacies, operates more than 230 lifeboat stations and has saved more than 137,000 lives.